Jewelry On Etsy JET Team Handmade Jewelry Artists

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Thursday, September 24, 2015

TAKING THE NEXT SALES STEP

Our feature this week was contributed by Karla Rosenbusch, one of our newest Jetteam members. Her awesome jewelry can be found in her shop, KarlaKraft.

When
it comes to jewelry making, I’ve always considered myself a relatively advanced
hobbyist. In my “real life,” I’m an editor at Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist, so I’m exposed to the best of the
best of jewelry artists on a daily basis. And so, I feel that I’m more of a
“dabbler.” I’ve had an Etsy store for several years, and while I enjoy it a
lot, I’ve never been able to devote a tremendous amount of time to it. (That
“editor” thing again. Silly job.)

But
lately, I’ve branched out from stringing together pretty stones (I adore pretty
stones) to doing cold-connected and riveted metalwork. And it’s been very well
received -- so well, in fact, that I recently received an invitation to sell my
jewelry at a craft show. Great, right? Scary, actually! I’ve never done a craft
show before, so I’m a little freaked out. This will definitely be a big step
for me.

Fortunately,
my job as an editor gives me access to some of the best experts in this area,
and they’ve given me awesome advice – on what and how much jewelry to bring,
how to set up a good display, how to process any “legalities,” and how to get
organized before and during the show.

So I
had a graphics designer friend of mine design an awesome sign. I also had some
business cards designed and professionally printed. I planned out how to set up
my display – with pretty tablecloths, stands for necklaces and earrings, and
multiple levels. I also got some nice-looking price tags and some pretty (and inexpensive) gift bags. So I think – I hope – that I’m just about ready for the craft show on October 3.

As
for my jewelry, I’ve been busily creating new pieces. Following the advice of
one of my experts, I’m not bringing everything. I decided to concentrate on
three different types of necklaces – riveted copper pendants with
salt-and-vinegar patina, my riveted metal pendants with focal stone or glass
cabochons, and the pendants I make from recycled aluminum soda and beer cans.
(My prediction? The recycled can pendants will be the most popular because
people just love them. But my favorites are the copper ones with patina because
the technique used to make them is just SO cool.) I’m also going to bring
earrings that go with and complement the pendants.

Oh,
and the best thing about this particular show? It’s the annual Fall Apple
Festival at my church where people (theoretically) like me. Or at least,
they’re “supposed” to. So I figured it was a good way to start selling at craft
shows. I may get some sympathy sales from my fellow choir members!

Looks like you've gotten great advice for your craft show, Karla... you should make lots of sales with your beautiful jewelry! Glad you're part of the JET clan, your style adds a unique dimension to our group ;)